Dispensing device



April 2, 1929.

W. J. PERKINS DISPENSING DEVICE Filed July 22, 19 9 Sheets-Sheet 1 April 1929- w. J, PERKINS 1,767,566

DISPENSING DEVICE Filed July 22, 1922 9 Sheets-Sheet 3 April 1929. w. J. PERKINS 1,707,566

DISPENS ING DEVICE Filed July 22, 1922 9 Sheets-Sheet 5 b] /2/6 Afforngys April 2, 1929. w, J, PERK S 1,707,566

DISPENSING DEVICE Filed July 22, 1922 9 Sheets-Sheet 4 xv Q'UMEQTOR ATTORNEYQWfR p i 1929- w. J. PERKINS 1,707,566

DISPENSING DEVICE Filed July 22, 1.922 9 Sheets-Sheet 5 3 radio 7* April 2, 1929. w. J. PERKINS 1,707,566

DISPENSING DEVICE Filed July 22, 1922 QSheets-Sheet e 4 t, M W 4 d 7 8 W & //4 M, W E F,/ M, M, H WEMHH M Q MUM m 1 r v Q a K 4 W U M M, 1. MW n @A .w "rt" FL WM V m April 2, 1929.

W. J. PERKINS DISPENSING DEVICE Filed July 22 1922 9 Sheets-Sheet 7 Wi/HS Par/(N7 b 1 115 Afhmeys 4% April 1929- w. J. PERKINS 1,707,566

DISPENSING DEVICE Filed July 22, 1922 9 Sheets-Sheet k \v w Y aux Vs April 1929- w. J. PERKINS DISPENSING DEVICE Filed July 22, 1922 9 Sheets-Sheet 9 Patented Apr. 2, 1929.

UNITED STATES PArsur oFFIcE.

WILLIS .T. PERKINS, OF GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN, ASSIGNOB TO FRANCES W. 'IER- KINS, OF GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN.

DISPENSING DEVICE.

Application filed July 22,

This invention relates to fuel distributing systems for internal combustion engines, and particularly to fuel distribution to engines, such as are employed in connection with aircraft, submarines, or the like.

The object of the invention is to provide means which are simple and eflicient for preventing leakage in systems of. fuel distribut-ion to internal combustion engines, due to defects developed in or injury to the pipes or other parts through which the distribution. of the fuel medium is effected.

A. further object is to provide simple and efficient safeguards against explosions, fire,

, waste, or other hazard, caused by leaks in fuel distributing systems or installations employed in connection with internal combustion engines of whatever type, or whereoever used, and especially such engines as are employed in aircraft, submarines, or the il'e, or in any system where distribution is effected. of any inflainn'iable or poisonous gases or liquids, through conveying or distributing pipes.

A further object is to provide means which are simple and efficient for controlling the fuel distribution to internal combustion engines.

A further object is to provide a controlling means of the nature referred to wherein individual as well as collective control of the various units of a fuel distributing system for aircraft and other internal combustion engines may be conveniently accomplished.

A further object is to provide means in a distributing system of the nature referred to, to automatically cut off the delivery of the fuel medium from the supply reservoir or tank in case of defects developed in or injury to the distributing pipes or other parts of the system.

A. further object is to provide a distributing system of the nature referred to wherein provision is made of means to avoid injury to the pipes other parts of the system due to the vibrations and strains to which the same are subjected in use.

A further object is to duplicate the non leak pipes employed in a fuel or other dis-- tributing system of the nature referred to in order to increase the reliability of the system and prevent interruption of its proper functioning in case of injury to or defect developed in one of the duplicated pipes. In other words it is among the objects of op; to the drawings, F g is a view in longitudinal central c. f the tank end of a oi ributing pipe plication thereto av structure embodying the prim a d for attaining the objects and purposes of my invention.

1, including the application of an automatically acting low temperature fusible element for controlling the safety, function and operation of the syst r a view in longitudinal central ilar to Fig. 1, showing a modified arran ement for automatically controlling he carburetor connection of a distributing pipe, and also showing a portion of a mul tiple valve d tributing device employed in ith the multiple pipe system conne ion w forming the basis of my invention.

Fig. 4 is broken detail view in longit-udinal central. section of a pipe protected in accord .nce with the principles of my invention.

F'Qj. 5 is view in transverse section of the ire shown in Fig. 4.

Fig. 6 broken detail view in plan of a portion of protected pipe showing the ap- 'ilication thereto of an automatic indicating device in accordance with the principles of my invention.

Fig. 7 is a view in cross section through the indicating: device and pipe section shownin T? S a brolrou detail view, partly in ".tnlfilln and partly in central longitudinal section, of a portion of tank or reservoir, showin ic application thereto of a struc- 121th) cut-off to a protected disppe delivering therefrom, and em- 7 the principles of my invention.

Fig. 9 is a similar view taken atright angles to that of Fig. 8.

Fig. 9 is a detail view in section on the line 9, 9 Fig. 9.

Fig. 10 is a. broken detail. view partly in longitudinal central section, showing; one torm ot cut-oil device and flexible or vibration absmbing connection for the carburetor, tank, distributor, or pump end, 01" a protected pipe, and embodying the principles of my invention.

Fig. 11 is a similar view of the structure shown in. Fig. 10, taken at right angles thereto.

Fig. 12 is a broken detail view in central longitudinal section, showing another form of automatic tank or terminal cut-071i and flexible or vibration absorbing connection tor a protected pipe, and embodying the principles of my invention.

Fig. 13 is a view in exterior elevation oi the structure shown in Fig. 12, a portion of the tank being shown in section.

Fig. l l is a. view similar to Fig. 12 shoiw ing another term or automatic carburetor, distributor and pump cutoil and yielding or vibration absorbing terminal connection embraced within the scope of my invention.

Fig. 15 a view in exterior elevation of the structure shown in Fig. 14.

Fig. 16 a broken detail view in central longitudinal section showing a modified form of terminal connection for a distributing); pipe, and embraced within the scope of my invention.

Fig. 17 is. a view in exterior elevation oi the structure shown in Fig. 16.

Fig. 18 is a broken detail view in central longitudinal section illustrating; one form of yielding or vibration absorbing connection intermediate the adjacent ends of pipe sec- 'tions.

Fig. 19 a view similar to Fig. 1.8, showing another form oi flexible or vibratitm absorbing connection and means to facilitate the assembly or disassmnbly of the same.

Fig. 20 is a broken detail view in plan of a form of renewable flexible connection for the adjacent ends of protected pipe sections included within my invention.

Fig. 21 is a View in central longitudinal section of the structure shown in Fig. 20.

F 22 is a view in side elevation of the same.

Fig. 23 is a view similar to 21 taken in a plane at right angles thereto.

F 2 1- and 25 are views similar to 16, showing other modified. structures of tie);- ible terminal connections included within the scope of my invention.

Fig. 26 is a view, parts in elevation, parts in longitudinal central. section, and parts broken out, showing the assembly of a multiple oi distrilmtiup pipes connected to a carbureter, with automatic safety cut-ell dcmenace vices therefor, and means to manually control the float valves of the distributor, in accordance with my invention.

Fig. 2? is a view in transverse section on the line :e, m, Fig. 26.

Fig. S25 is a detached detail view in end plan ol the bottom end. of a distributor tube employed in the distributing chamber, as shown in Figs. 26 and 27.

Fig. 29 is a view in sectional plan showin a form oi? protecting outer casing for shieldinga carburetor and distributor, and

distributor pipe, and embodying the prin ciples of my invention.

Fig. 30 is a view in elevation, partly broken out and in. section, of the structure shown in Fig. 29.

Fig. 311's a view similar to Fig. 29 showing an intermedia e prot-cc ing lasing for a @arbureter and distributor, and a distributor pipe.

Fig. 39. a view similar to Fig. 30, of the structure shown in Fig. 31.

Fig. 33 is a view snnilar to Figs. 29 and 31. showing an assembly of an inner, and outer, and an intermediate 1irotcctinpcasing for a carlmreter and distributor, and distributing pipes.

Fig. ill is a view similar to Figs. 30 and 32, of the inner protecting casing shown in assembled relation in 33.

F 35 is a broken detail view in longitudinal. section showing the application of a safety fusible releasing; element employed in connection with the protecting casings 01 Figs. 80, 32 and 34:.

Fig. 36 a view in longitudinal central section showing an arrangement of protected distributor pipe especially desirable where the pipe is installed horizontally.

Fig. 3'7 is a low showing a portion of an aimiliary tank, and also showing in central longitudinal section an. automatically operating apparatus to control the operation ot the pumps or other parts by the level of fuel medium in the auxiliary tank.

Fig. 38 is a fragnnentary sectional view oi the lower portion of the structure shown in Fig. 37, in tilted position.

Fig. 39 is a broken view in top plan of the structure shown in 37, a portion of the cover being broken away to show the automatic switch.

Fig. 40 is a view in diagram showing; a switch system. and arrangement for shitting automatic control from one auxiliary tank to another. 1

Fig. all is a broken. detail view in top plan showing a switch device applied to a distributing pipe and adapted to be brought into operation automatically in case of in jury to the distributino, pipe or other associated parts.

liig. {i2 is a view in longitudinal central section. of the structuie shown in Fig. 41.

Fig. 43 is a view in transverse section on the lines y, 3 Fig. 42.

Fig. 44; is a view in top plan of a carburetcr and distributor arrangement assemblec. within protecting casings, and includin an automatic fluid measuring and recording means, in accordance with my invention.

Fig. 45 is a detached view in elevation, parts broken out and parts in section, of a fire extinguishing apparatus suitable for use in securing the safety features of my invention.

Fig. 46 is a fragmentary view, partly broken out and partly in section, showing in collapsed condition a structure of pressure service means forming part of the fire extinguishing devices of Fig. 45.

Fig. 47 is a broken detail view in central longitudinal section of a portion of conveying pipe for a fire extinguishing medium, including an automatically releasable spraying element employed in connection therewith.

Fig. 48 is a broken detail view in outside elevation of a portion of the pipe and spraying element shown in Figs. 45 and 47.

Fig. 49 is a view, somewhat diagrammatic, partly in elevation, and partly in central longitudinal section, illustrating a multiple tank, carbureter, distributing and control system embodying the principles of my invention, with the fundamental elements of the system shown in assembled relation in a typical and illustrative installation.

The same part is designated by the same reference numeral wherever it occurs throughout the several views.

In the practical operation of aircraft, whether of the heavier than air, or lighter than air, or any other type, as well as sul marines, or other water craft, land vehicles, or power installations of whatever type, kind or location, employing internal com bust-i on engines, the danger is frequently incurred of failure, or loss of efficiency of the engine, and sometimes of disastrous and fatal tires and explosions through leakage at some point. in the fuel distributing system caused by defects of or injury to the pipes, tanks, pumps, carbureter, or other part or parts composing the system. In the case of aircraft, for example, when employed in warfare, an enemy shot may perforate the fuel storage tank, a distributing pipe, the pump, carbureter, or other part of the fuel distributing or power installation, with the result that a leak of the fuel medium takes place which not only means waste and loss of power but is liable to be ignited, causing an explosion or a conflagration. Many instances have occurred where an aeroplane has been. brought down in flames due to such an incident. \Vhat is true, in this respect of aircraft, employed for war purposes, is also equally true of aircraft employed in peacetime pursuits, for commercial, governmental or other purposes, due to defects in installation or construction, or to the action of vibration and strain to which the fuel distributing system and the pipes and other parts thereof are subjected when the air craft is in flight. Moreover, such leakage, even if hazardous and disastrous .ignition or explosion does not take place, impairs the efficiency of the engine, and through waste and loss of fuel medium frequently interrupts, partially or entirely, the operation of the engine, and where this occurs in flight of an aircraft, a dangerous and often fatal accident results.

Again, the efficient control of the fuel medium supply to the engine is of great importance to enable the aviator or engineer in charge to meet the exigencies arising in practical operation. Such a control, in order to secure the greatest degree of efliciency and safety against hazard and accident, should be of such nature and character, and so collocated as to be constantly under the manual supervision of the aviator or engineer, and to be capable of effecting the control of fuel medium supply to any one or more or all of the engines of the power plant, individually or collectively, and from any one or more of a plurality of storage tanks or reservoirs.

In addition, it is exceedingly desirable for safety operation, to provide means to visually reveal at all times to the aviator or engineer in charge of the power plant, the amount of fuel medium he has remaining and available for power supply purposes.

It may sometimes be desirable to arrest the operation of an engine, or of a pump, or other working part of the power plant, in case of an accident or injury to some part of the system, and to effect such arrest instantly and without effort or action on the part of the aviator or engineer in charge.

It is also desirable, in case of leakage of fuel medium occurring in some part of the fuel supply system, and ignition thereof, to provide means which act automatically to extinguish thc,resulting fire so as to protect the power plant, the air craft, or other vehicle, or installation, and the persons in charge thereof.

It is among the special purposes of my present invention to provide means which are simple and efficient for securing the adv. ntages and benefits above pointed out, and others to be hereinafter more fully set forth.

Among the important and fundamental features of my invention I propose to provide means which act automatically to instantly close one or both of the ends of a fuel or other distributing pipe, or unit section thereof, in case of injury to such pipe or section through service, accident, act of war, or other cause, thereby cutting off the supply of the fuel medium thereto or therettron'l, or both. ll also propose, in accordauce with myinveutiomto install the distributiue; pipes or pipe sections, so automatically proi'mzl'ed, in imlependent detachable and replaceable un so that in case of injury in any particular section or unit, the injured member may be easily and quickly removed and replaced. I also propose to provide means to similarly close one or both ends of the dislrilmting pipe or pipe section. in case oi lire in the neighbm'hood thereof, or in ease of injury to or lire in the neighborluaul or vicinity of the carbureter. pump, tanlc, or other eoordinating essential element of the distributing system of the power plant. I also propose to provide means to dilute any escaping or leaking fuel medium, or to mix tl err-with a suitable lire extiuguishiiur medium and to apply or spray such extinguishing material a t proper points to safeguard the power plant, or its parts or surroundlugs from the ettects ot' lire. I also propose, in aceonlance with my invention to provide means which are simple and eliicient for confining, or partially confining, any leakage from a tuel medium or other distributing pi pe, due to fracture, puncture, or other injury tl'iereoli, to substantially conline the contents of that portion. of the pipe in the immediate vicinity ol the fracture, pertoration, or injury. l also propose to provide means which are simple and ellicient tor automatieally controlling the operation of the distributing pump through the mean level of the fuel medium, and means to visually indicate at all. times the amount of operating medium available in the dist-rit uting tanks or other rez-iervoirs containing the same. I also propose, inv accordance with my invention, to provide means to visually or otherwise indicate the condition and ellicieucy oi? the automatic means employed to cutol'l 'luel medium supply, and means to concentrate at a single point control devices for manually controlliiur the fuel distribution in the system. I also provide means to prevent iniury l'o the liuel. distributin r pipes and their related parts, due to the vilu'atimis caused by operation of the power plant.

in connection with that feature of my invention which has to do with the automatic closing o'l? one or bothends of a distrihutiogg pipe, in case ot a fracture, perl oralion, or other injury to the pipe, or to the i-ttoragre lianlt, pump, carbm'eter, or other vital element in the power plant, I provide a double wall or protecting casing for such pipe, tank, pump, carliuu'eter, or the like, and maintain apower medium in the interveniiui I we. This power medium may be either a muum or a pressure medium such as eompres-isiul air, or other suitable medium, and l utilize the breaking of the vacuum, in the one case, or the escape of such medium, or pressure, in the other case, to effect automatically the actuation of closure or cut-oil valves, and indicating devices. llhere pressure medium is employed, it is desirable to use a fire extinguishing medium to provide the power medium. Carbon tetrachloride, or a mixture of: the same with a solution oil carbon disulphide, suitable for this purpose. The advantage of using a lire extinguishing medium under pressure is that only are the automatic devices put into o tieration by the release of the pressure and escape of such medium, due 0 an, injury, ierlorathm, fracture, or other cause, but such escz ping medium, in large volume, mixes with the escaping :tuel medium in relatively small voll'une, thereby destroying, impairing, or retarding" the inflammable character oi the latter, and hence affording protection against damage from lire. More over, in case ot injury to, or perforation or both the wall of the protected part and that ot' the protecting casing or envelope, the pressure medium will escape from its containing space not only into the air but alsointo the interior of the protected pipe or part containing; the fuel medium, and by reason of the preponderance of the pressure oi the pressiuc medium over that of the 'l uel medium the escape of the latter through the :l racture or perforation is retarded sufliciently to enable the cut-off valves to accomplish their closing function. A fur-- ther advantage. in the use of a power medium in liquid form rather tl'ian a vacuum, is that it is .asier and more practical to maintain a liquid power medium hermetically sealed under pressure in the space enveloping a pipe or other part to be protected, than it is to maintain a vacuum or air pressure in such space. In its liiri'iadcst scope my invention, however, is not to be limited or restricted to the use of a liquid or gaseous form o'l. power torce medim'n, and in the accompanying drawings 1 have shown arrangements for use with either vacuum or pressure media of various kinds.

In Figs. 1 and 2 l have shown a structure of tank end connection of a distributin l pipe and an automatically acting closure or cut-oil valve therefor which is arranged for vacuum operation. In these views a fragmentary section 1 of the storage tank is shown. Fir ending into the tank 1 is an annular ring 6, which may he held in place in any suitable manner. In the arrangement shown this ring held. by bolts 3 which pass through a flange forming part of the base portion 11 of the cup-shaped member of which the annular rim, 6 forms the wall. This flange fits against the exterior surface ol the tank and is clamped thereagainst by the bolts 3, to the inner threaded ends of which. are applied the nuts 3. If desired,

member spring metal diaphragm of disk shape, which is hermetically attached at its periphery by soldering, brazing, welding, or otherwise, to

" the upper portion of the inner wall surface The ill ble member 5 constiof ring tules a yieldable .vall or partition between the valve chamber 2, and a chamber 7 which is formed by a cap or cover 8, the latter bong soldered or otherwise secured to the upper edge of ring 6. A stop 9 connected to or forming part of the cover 8 serves to limit the lift of the diaphragm 5, and to determine the normal space of separation of the valve 10 and its seat 11 with which it cooperates when in closed or cut-off position. The end of a distributing pipe 12 is secured within a central boss in the base men'iber or portion 11 of the cup 6, and in communication through the oiening of valve seat 11 and valve chamber 2, with the interior of the tank or reservoir 1. A second pipe 13 encloses the distributing pipe 12, but is of larger internal diameter than the eX- ternal diameter of pipe 12, thereby providing a space or chamber 14; therebetween. The two pipes 12, 13, may be maintained in spaced apart and coaxial relation in any simple or convenient manner. I have shown centering indentations 15 in the outer pipe 18, for this purpose. The end of the exterior pipe 13 is received and secured within an enlarged boss 11 of the base plate 11, and the space 14 between the two pipes 12, 13, in communication with chamber through a passage 16. By maintaining a uniform or constant degree of vacuum within the space it will be readily seen that the flexible member 5 is maintained at its upper limit of play against theback stop 9, thereby holding the valve 10 raised from its seat 11, and hence the fuel medium con tained in the tank or reservoir is free to flow from the tank into and through the distributing pipe 12, as the operation of the power plant may require. If, however, through accident or otherwise, the pipes 12, 13, either or both, should become fractured, perforated, or otherwise injured, so as to cause a break of the vacuum within the ace 14%, the power medium which theretolore maintained the flexible member 5 in its upper limit of play is destroyed or broken, and instantly the valve 10 is seated upon its seat 11, thereby closing communication between the tank and distributing pipe and cutting off flow of fuel medium to the latter.

As is well. known, it is a customary practice to employ soft copper tubing for the fuel distributing pipes of internal combustion engines. In the ease of high powered engines, such, for example, as those employed in aircraft, the fuel distributing pipes are subjected to inevitable and frequently violent vibration. This tends to crystallize the (llicllblllllllg pipes, rendering them brittle and easily breakable, and also impairs or weakens, and frequently breaks their connection to the fuel tank, or other relatively fixed parts of the power plant, thereby givrise to highly objectionable and daneious leakage of the fuel medium. This mans waste of fuel, impairment of the efciency of the engine, and extreme danger o the power plant and the persons occupied h rein, of the escaping fuel becoming ignitand causing disastrous fire. Moreover, b eason of the extreme variations in temperto which aircraft in service is subthe pipes and other connections subjected to maximum expansion and itraction, which, likewise, is liable to in- I or destroy the connections of such pipes or parts, and cause leakage with like objectionable results. In accordance with my invention I propose to avoid these objections and dangers, and in carrying out my invenin I) 1 ,tion I propose to employ means to absorb and take up the vibrations, and to compensate for expansion and contraction to which the distributing pipes and other parts are subjected. One arrangement for accomplishing these purposes is shown in Figs. 1 a d 2, wherein expansible members are interposed at one or more convenient points in the length of the pipes. It is necessary, of course, that such expansible members, do not interrupt the continuity of flow of fuel medium through the distributing pipe, nor the enclo. (l vacuum or power medium space surrounding such pipe. I have found that the desired results may be secured by e1nploying a structure consisting of spaced apart fluted double spring cylinders 17, 18, called sylphons, so disposed and arranged as to continue the power medium or vacuum space i l in the space between their concentric spaced apart walls. The inner sylphon mem- 18 is secured hermetically at its opposite is by brazing, soldering, or otherwise, to the adjacent ends of the interrupted pipe as indicated at 18 while the outer t phon member 17, in like manner, is se- {i hermetically at its opposite ends to the "upted ends of pipe 13, as indicated at v undue or violent vibration or movement of expansion or contraction to which the pipe is subjected is thus taken up and ii-bed in the sylphon spring members 17,

til

18, without interfering with the flow of fuel medium, or of the proper functioning of the safety power medium or vacuum controlled devices.

In order to afford protection against fire, it is desirable to provide means for releasing the power medium within the space l l, whether that power medium be vacuum or pressure, and to effect such release automatically. I therefore propose to employ at various points throughout the protected portions of the system means which are controlled by heat to effect automatically the release of the power medium which controls the seating or closure of the cutoff valves 10. in Figs. 1 and 2 I have shown one arrangement and disposition of such hezit-controlled releasing means associated with the pressure or vacuum space 7, 16 and l l. In this arrangement a fusible plug or member 2a is mounted within the bore of a boss formed on the cover 8, said bore being in communication through an opening, 25 with the space 7, so that the fusible member 24; serves to close said space and seal the vacuum or pressure maintained therein. The fusible member 24- may be securely held and seated in the bore of boss 20 in any suitable manner. I have shown a simple ar rangement for this purpose wherein a sealing medium 23 packed around the fu. 'blc member within the boss 20, and a retaining cap nut 21 applied to the boss engaged around the fusible member and retains the sealing medium 'in place. if dos-aired, a gasket 22 interposed between the cap nut and. boss serves to force the sealing medium tightly against the fusible member when the cap nut is screwed home on the boss.

In order to localize the leakage of fuel medium from a distributing pipe to that portion of such medium which is contained in the pipe in the immediate vicinity of a rupture or perforation in the pipe, 1 propose to employ means distributed at various points along the length of the pipe, and inside the same, to check and prevent the free passage of the fuel medium therethrough when the pipe is injured and its end closed as above described. For this purpose, and in one illustrative arrangement for attain ing the desired end, I employ what ll will. call surface friction valves 26, which are disposed. inside the pipe 12 at various points along the length thereof, as shown, for example, in Figs. 4L and 36. These devices are formed of fine wire screening; having; a mesh proportional. to the viscosity of the fuel medium to be distributed through the pipe. It is preferable, of course, to con struct these devices of such material as will not be affected by the action of the fuel medium. I have found that Monel metal is satisfactory for the purpose when grasoline is the fuel medium. These devices, or

valves, so-called, should have such an area of mesh opening as not to interfere with the proper feed or supply of fuel medium through the pipe when the engine is in normal operation, but which'will arrest or restrain the flow of the medium when through injury to the pipe the closure valve related thereto is closed. In this way leakage and waste of the fuel medium is confined to that portion of such medium contained in that length or portion of the pipe between adjacent surface friction valves where a break, rupture or puncture of the pipe occurs. li hen the pipes 12, 13, are installed in horizontal position, it is preferable, for greater efficiency in the functioning of the 1 'ace friction valves 26, that the pipes be formed into a series of reverse curves, as shovn'i in Fig. 86. The purpose of this is to maintain a fuel fluid level in the pipe hearing against the full diametrical area of each of the said valves, thereby obtaining the same fluid chm-icing); and stopping action asin the case of a vertically disposed pipe. li hiie I regard the so-called friction valves 26 as of advantage in attaining a greater degree of safety of the system, they are, by no means vital, and may be omitted, if desired. Should it be found that their use materially interferes even slightly with. the proper supply of fuel medium to the engine in normal operation, such interference would be so slight as not to be of con- *sequcnce, but even such interference can be minimized to a degree of inconsequence, if not entirely removed, by employing a pipe 12 of slightly increased diameter.

[is above indicated, heat-controlled releasing devices for the power medium, whetlun' vacuum. or pressure, in the space 14., may be distributed at various points throughout the system in order to secure efficient protection against fire. In Figs. 2 and l, I have shown fusible elements 27 inserted in openings in the outer pipe 13 for this purpose. The fusible elements of whatever nature and whereyer located throughout the system should be of such nature as to melt at comparatively low temperatures, and when such elements, or any one of them melts, the power force in the space 14- is released and the cut-off valves 10 are automatically sea-ted or closed, thereby cutting; off the further supply or flow of fuel medium from the tank or reservoir through related parts.

it is desirable to provide means to visually indi ate, on inspection of the plant, or by ground mechanics after landing, in the a se of aircraft, that an injury has occurred, and that the supply of fuel medium has been cut off by the closing of the valves. For this purpose I propose to employ indicater means, or tell-tales, so arranged and associated as to be influenced into indicating condition by the release of the power force in the space 14. Many ditlerent structures and arrangements of indicating devices may be used for th s purpose. In F 6 and 7 I he no shown a sin'lple and eflicient ar "angement illustn tive of the prin; ciple involved, especially suitable where the power force employed. in the space 1% is VQCHUHL In this arrangement a slee e 28 is applied around and soldered, or otherwise secured, to pipe 13 at some convenient point in the length thereof. The sleeve is formed with a laterally extending flange portion forming chamber 29. This chamber is in communication through opening 31 in pipe 13 with the vacuum space 14, and is closed by a flexible spring diaphragm or member 30, which is applied over and brazed or otherwise secured to the flange 29. An arm 32 carried by the sleeve 28 extends over to form an abutment tau-l; stop for the spring diaphragm in case the vacuum within space 14; should become broken= As long; as the vacuum is maintained in space 14 the diaphrag 11 i s n is drawn and held inwardly away or no) arm 32,

leaving); a spaceSS bet-ween the end of said arm and the diaphragm. Shoul l the vacuspring (up um be broken, however, uh phragm will move outwardly 'nto ab itmeu with. saio arm, thereby visually inticating on inspection, that by reason of rupture, or other on 15s, at some point in the system, the power me 'im has been released and the cut-oil valves have become closed, enaling' a mechanic to locate and repair the injury or to replace the injured member.

In 3 l have shown a modified arrangement for controlling the .ut-oii' valve 10, in accordance with my invention, l y the release out the power mediuu'i in the space In this arrangement a multiple fold cylindrical spring diaphragm is solderec, or otherwis secured, to the inner w: valve chamber 2. This diaphragm 35, as in the arr: nggement shown in Fig. 1, carries the valve 10. However, an auxiliary coil spring 36, arranged within chamber 7, is employed, in the arangement shown in Fig. :3, to act upon the diaphragm 35, in opposition to the action thereon of the vacuum. lVith this arrangement, when. the vacuum in space let {H is to be iuiderstood that the an shown in F154. 1 the tank end o may also be used for the carbu etor end, and,

igg ement the pipe like manner, the arrangement iowu in F 1g. 3 for the carburetor end may be used tor the tank end of the pipe. In the case of the distributer connection ol the distributing pipe, a multiple told cylindrical expansible spring member 37, surrounds the exterior wall of the cup terniinpthe V lvo chamber 2, and is secured at one end thereof to the lower or base portion of said wall.

The secured to a othe end of said member 31 l (1 Of Pt mounted in an nsion l? oi casing 41. To provide leak proo joints the assembly of the parts, suitabl gaskets a", may be interposed, respectively between the head portion of the bolt 38, and the extension Q1 and between the nut- 38 and said extension. The valve chamber 2, in this instance, receives the iiuel medium delivered thereunto from the pipe 12, when the valve is raised, and said chamber in communication through the bore of me. her 37, the passage 48, through bolt 38, openings 42, and passage ll to the casing or bowl 34L of the distributor to be hereinafter more fully dc.

above inulcated it may be preferred to employ a power medium under pressure to r. )l the automatic ope 'ation of the cutolf valves 10, whether at the tank or the car buretcr end, or both, of the distr outii pipe sections. hen a pressure medium instead of a vacuum. is employed 'li'r this purpose, it is preferable to use a liquid or gas lire extinguishing character, in order to thereby all'ord a more efficient protection agaii through the ignition of any escaping o ine 'iuel medium resulting from a ripture hollow o other injury in the fuel distributing system lvlany different strut inns and arrz'zngements for acconiplishinp this may be employed. In Figs. 8, 9 and 9, l have shown one simple and efilcient arrano'ement We arrawenent snown, I

1 employ a series of co led expansible t id collapsible hellowsbcrs it oi men, spring material, which are in comm on with each other through the open'ngfl l. These members are :ally sealed and are dosh ied to (Oiltjll a i table lire e' uish' H medium, which is held and maintained therein under a desired discharging pressure, which is r ndii l permanent by the spring ha o sealrul members 4L3", which I u .i refer to as waicztx At one end the series of expansible members or waters 4.3 are attached io e tcrmii il member This member formed into a yoke, the central bore or channel of the legs of which conuniuiicates with the closed waters d3, through the pening 42, see Fig. 8. The number of members or wafers 43 and the total volume of their enclosed and hermetically sealed space is determined by the quantity of fire r2;- tinguishing medium it is desirable to employ in connection with the distributing pipe units 12, 18, connected thereto, or associated therewith. In practice I prefer to locate this container structure for the lire extinguishing medium within the tank 1. This removes the container structure from all target area in the case of military airplanes employed in warfare, and it eliminates flight resistance.

In the arrangement; shown in l? igs. 8 and 9, the cut-off valve 10 is formed or connected with a stem 4L6, which is pivotally connected to a yoke structure 47, which cncom 'iasses the series of wafers 4313; A rod l8 rigidly attached to the upper wafer or member 13 and slides through the upper cross member of the'yoke structure 17, thereby constituting a guide for the collapsing and expanding movements of the wafer members. A compression spring 41-9 is interposed between the valve 10 and the upper portion of a sleeve 50, through which the valve stem 46 slides. This sleeve is provided with a semi-circular supportin portion 51, to which the yoke l or a lateral extension 52 thereof, is connected. Thus the sleeve all is stationarily mounted and held, being, in the particular form shown, secured, to the yoke 1-4 by the bolt 53. When the wafer members 4:3 are distended by pumpii'ig or otherwise, forcing the lire extinguishing medium thereinto, the yoke structure 47 raised, thereby raising the valve 10 from its seat 11, and. against the tension of spring 19. lVhen, however, the fire extinguishin medium contained in the expanded members or wafers 43 discharged, or partially discharged therefrom, in case of injury to either of the pipes 12 or 1.3, or both of them, or to the related parts connected therewith, thereby fori'ning an outlet for the escape of the lire extinguishing medium, the waters or members 43 by reason of their inherent tension force or compel the discharge of the lire extinguishing medium through the outlet, and thereupon said waters or members collapse on each other, thereby lower ing the yoke structure and permitting the tension of spring 19 to instantly become effective to cause valve 10 to seat upon its seat 11, thereby cutting off any further escape of fuel medium from the tank through pipe 12.

1 will now describe a convenient arrange ment for mounting and inserting the lire extinguishing medium container structure within, and securing the same in place inside of the tank, and also a structure for flexibly attaching the tank end of the distributor pipe and its protecting casing to the tank absorb or take up shocks or vibrations and prevent injury to such con nection. The wall of the tank 1 is formed with an opening 56 therein of SlllliC-lQIlt area. to permit the yoke 17 and the wafer structure to be inserted therethrough into the interior of the tank. Suitably brazed, or otherwise secured, to the exterior of the tank, and surrouiuling the opening 56 therein is a ring 5.3. "To the exteriorly threaded surface thereof is applied a screw cap 57. A flexible diaphragm 58 is clamped at its peripheral edge between the cap 57 and ring 55. If desired, and in order to prevent leakage at this joint a gasket 63 may be interposed between the peripheral edge of the diaphragm 58 and the ring 55. The diaphragm 58 is formed with a central opening therethrough, through which is received the outer end of a sleeve 54; forming the end of the yoke 44;. The sleeve is formed with a lateral flange 62 designed and arranged to bear upon the upper boundary edge of the central opening of the diaphragm 58, and against which said diaphrag nn is clamped and held by means of a ring 59 screwed onto the cxteriorly threaded extremity of so as to the sleeve 5%. If desired, and in order to provide a. leakage proof joint between these parts, suitable gaskets or collars (30, 61, may be interposed between the spring diaphragm 58 and the collar (32 and nut 59. The passage elf; ofthe yoke 41-4 communicates with the space M between the pipes 12, 13, as clearly shown in Fig. 9.

in practice I prefer to employ a slightly different method of connection of the fire extinguishing medium container to the distributor, carburetor, or pump end of the telescoping double distribution pipes 12, 13. Such a preferred structure is shown in Figs. 10 and 11. In this case two expansible spring wafer members 4-8" are employed, though, obviously, my invention is not to be limited or restricted in respect to the number of such wafers since the number and eXtinguishing medium carrying volume thereof may be varied according to the conditions and requirements. A similar yoke structure 47 and guide rod 18 are employed as that above described with reference to Figs. 8 and 9. The function of the spring water members 43" and of their encompassing yoke structure 17, namely, to maintain the valve 10 raised from its seat 11, is the same as that above described with reference to the wafers and yoke structure of Figs. Sand 9, the valve 10 being pivotally connected through lug (55 with the yoke structure 17. The valve 10 is attached to a spring disk 5, similar in all respects and in function to the spring disk 5 shown in Figs. 1 and 2. This spring disk forms a partition wall for a gasoline chamber 6%. The tension of spring disk 5 is such as to normally maintain the valve seated upon its seat when the wafer members 43" are collapsed. V hen, however, the wafer members 43" are expanded by pumping thereinto the extinguishing medium under the desired pressure, the valve 10 is raised from its seat and the lug 65 which connects the valve to the yoke struc ture 47 strikes the undersurtacc of the yoke 66, thereby forming a stop therefor to determine the extent of the lift of valve 10. The yoke 66 has formed therein a passageway 67 which connnunicates at one end with the interior of the water ."iembers 43' through opening 4-2, and with the space 14: between the pipe sections 12, i3, and which I have referred to as the power medium space. The lug and its position revealed visually through the side openii'igs ot' the yoke member 66 indicates relatively the elliciency of the fluid or liquid pov-rer medium in the space 14, and the proportionate amount of fire extinguishing medium contained in the combined expansible waters 43", any space inter ening between the lug and the underpart of the cross portion of yoke 66 indicating at once whether or not an injury has occurred to the power medium area i l or the related distributing pipe sections, and the extent of such intervening space indicating whether or not the injury is a major or a minor one. In order to absorb any movement of the pipe sections, due to expansion or contraction, shock vibration or otherwise, I employ the fluted spring diaphragm or disk. members 68, 69. The inner spring disk member 68 brazed, or otherwise secured, at its peripheral edge to the inner Wall 71 of the valve chamber 2, and is formed with a central o )ening therethrou h to receive the extremity of the inner distributing pipe 12, said disk being brazed or otherwise secured to said pipe. The outer spring disk member 69 is likewise provided with a central opening therethrough which receives the extremity of the outer ,1rotcctinqpipe member 13, to which said disk is brazed or otherwise secured. The other end of said outer disk member (39 is likewise secured in spaced relation withrespect to the inner disk 78 to the outer wall 70 of the casing of the valve chamber, the two disk members 68, 69, being so relatively disposed that the space between them constitutes a continuation of the space 14% between the pipe sections and the passage t? into the expansible water members 43".

The power medium, in this case the fire extinguishing medium, may be supplied to the system and into the space 14:, 67, and to the interior of the spring waters 43 in any suitable or convenient manner I have shown in Fig. 11 one convenient arrange ment for accomplishing this purpose wherein the valve casing is formed with an eXte riorly threaded boss or extension 72, a threaded cap 73 being applied to the threaded perinterior bore formed through the lug 72.

A suitable valve 76 shown in this instance in the form of a ball valve is yieldingly held to the valve seat member in any convenient way, as for instance by means of a sprint 77 so as to close from the interior an opening or passage 77 through the valve seat member 75. The bore of the boss or extension 72 also communicates through a passage 77" with the passage 67. With this arrangement, in order to fill or recharge the power force area, including of course the space 1% between the pipes 12 and 13, the space between the diaphragm 68, 69, the passage 67, and the collapsible water members 4 3", with fire extinguishing medium, the cap 73 is first removed and the end of a suitable force pump delivery pipe applied to the boss 72, said pump delivering -trom suitable source the fire extinguishing medium. By operation of the pump the medium is forced through the passage 77, un seats the valve 76, and delivers the fire extinguishing medium through passage 77" into the power force area. This action causes the valve 10, and any other valve associated in the system, as for instance, the valve 10 at the tank end of the connection, to be lifted as the power medium area re ceives under pressure the fire extinguishing fluid, and after the water members 43, 43*, expand under the force of the pressure by which such medium is forced into this area. This action proceeds until the desired deof pressure is attained, which condition will be indicated by the engagement of the parts with their respective stops. The check valve 76 operates to retain the fluid or liquid under pressure within the power medium area. The pump is then disconnectcd and the screw cap 73 again applied upon the boss 72.

The valve casing 2 may be connected to a carburetor, a distributor, pump, or the like, in any suitable or convenient manner. For this purpose I have shown a boss 78 formed on the valve chamber 2 which has a bore which connnunicates with the gasoline chamher 64 therein, and by means of the boss the desired attachment may be made, as, for example, through the member 38 shown in Figs. 3, 4 4; and 49, with suitably interposed gaskets 39, 0, to term a leak-proof joint.

Tt will be understood that the inherent spring tension. of the expansible spring water members 43, 4L3, serve to impose a constant discharging pressure force upon the fire extinguishing medium contained therein. This force instantly acts when the power medium area becomes ruptured in.

all!

Such a rupture ol. the power medium area.

and resulting expulsion of the tire extingrui lium not only instantly cuts oil the aupply oi. tucl medium by closing the tank 2nd czuhureter or pump end connections of the intermmliatc piping}; system, but also splays a tire extinguishing medium in case ot lire over the urea threatened by the lire, or, such lire extinguishing medium, it of proper character, such as the use ot carbonteirachloride, or a mixture thereof with a solution ot carbon disulphide, then any inthnuinal'ilc 't'uel mediui'u. which may lave leaked out of the sy tom due to such rupture instantly bm'ou'ies diluted so as to lose or have destroyed its inflammable cl'uu'acter.

In the structure shown in lligs. 1 and 2, and above described, It have shown the rotected ilistrjbuting pipe rigidly connected to the tank, but equipped at a suitable point in its length with an expansihle connection to absorb vib "at-ions or long ritudinal expansions and cont. Lioi s to which the distributing; pipe may be subjected.

In liig's. S and t) l have shown a modified arrangement of valve controlingdevices and the pipe connection, and l have also shown therein a flexible connection of the distrilmtinp; pipe to the tank. it is obvious, o1 course, that the llexible vibration absorbinp; conmw iun of the pipe to the tank may be employed with either type or form oi. valve controlling: device. in other words, the 'l'lexible courieetimi ot the pipe to the tank, as shown in l*i;. ;s. h and 9, may, likewise, be appiiwl to the l'orni o'l valve actuatinpg and coi'ilrolliiur structure shown in li ies. l and $2 in l in's. l2 and 1 3 l have shown this application wherein rinp is recured to the tank 1 armu'id an opening 56 termed in the tank wall. A cap ring 57 is scrmvml upon the ring and serves to chuup tlicrezurainst the peripheral edge of the tlcxihle member or diaphragm 58, with, it desired, an inlrrposcd egaskin; 132 to secure a tight joint. A central ()Ptillllll; is formed through the llehsible di: ph agrm through which extends the stem portion 5 r of the aim casingti, said stem beii'ig formed. with a flange (35. 5 against which the edge portion of the diaphra, ;m :78 bounding the central. opcuin' illHJl'Q'l' irough clamped by mums ot a clamp rii 3f and an interposed disk (33. 'l ie extremity of the distributing pipe 1..3 is lu'am-ul or otherwise secured within the bore ext the extension 5% of the casing 6, while the protecting pipe 13 is secured at its end or extremity to the inner wall of the neck portion 5% of said casing.

In Figs. 10 and 1.1 I have shown a valve controlled structure for the carburetor, distributor, or pump end connection of the double telcscoaed distributin 3i ies 12 12% as applied to a power force in the ten of a liquid medium held in the system under pressure. The same method of connecting the ends of the telescoping pipes equally well adapted for use in connection with a power force provided by a vacuum, and in Figs. 14:, 15, I have shown the same arrangement and structure of distributing: pipe connection as shown in Figs. 10 and 11 as applied to a va :uum system for the distributor, carburetor, or pump end of the pipes.

From the foregoing description it will be understood that a complete protected distributing pipe unit employed in connection. with a vacuum power medium consists of the tank end valve casing, valve and valve control ar 'angcment as shown for example in Figs. 1. and 12, and a carburete distributor or pump end structure or connection tor the protected pipe unit consisting of avalve easing, valve and valve control structure, as shown tor example in Figs. 1i and 15, the complete unit bein equipped at one or more convenient points in its length with a telltale indicator device such as shown. in Fics. 6 and 7, and also equipped, if desired, with cooperating surface friction valve devices distributed at suitable points within the bore of the pipe 1.2, as indicated at 26 in Figs. 41-, 5 and All fittings'are soldered, brazed, or otherwise s cured tii gethein This leaves the only remaining opening in the unit at the passage 25, see Fig. 1, in the top c: p 8 of the vmve chambe: at the tank valve end of the unit. By i'neans of any suitable or convenhint vacuum producing; devices a acuum of the desired degree of exhaustion is produced in the power medium areaor space of the unit. The degree of vacuum power :torce produced can easily be tested out in any suitable, convenient or well. known manner, until the desired vacuiiun is produced. The fusible sealing member 524: is

then placed in position and sealed in place i in any suitable manner, and as above described. This completes a distributing pipe umt embodying the u'mc1ples of my in vention enuiloyiug vacuum as the power medium' through which the sealing action of the valvi." at one or both ends of the unit is controlled.

ln like manne' a complete protected dis tributing pipe unit for use in connection with a power 'lorce consisting of a. liquid. forced into the power force area. or space and maintained therein under pressure, conot' a tank end structure such is shown in Figs. 8 and 9, and a carburetor, distributor or pump end structure such as is shown lit] in F igs. 10 and 11. In this case the power medium or liquid is delivered by pump or otherwise into the power medium area or space through theconnection 72 shown in Fig. 11 until the desired degree of pressure of the liquid within the system is attained.

In the case of either complete unit, provision may be made to absorb or take up longitudinal vibrations, contractions or expansions of the protected pipe members thereof by interposing at suitable points in the length of the pipe unit the sylphon device indicated at 17, in Figs. 1 and 2. If desired, however, and with or without the vibration absorbing device 17, the tank end of the pipe connection may be constructed to absorb and take up such vibrations, contractions and expansions, whether in a compressed liquid power force or in a vacuum system by the structure of flexible diaphragm connection 58 shown in Figs. 8, 9, 12, and 13.

It may sometimes be necessary or desirable to couple together separate lengths of the protected distributor pipes 12, 13, in such manner as to maintain continuity of the pipe 12, and in some cases it may be desired to provide a terminal connection for the protected telescoped distributing pipes 12, 13, and the power medium space or area. A suitable structure for such a terminal. is shown in Figs. 16 and 17 wherein the power force area 67 terminates in a hollow union member 77. This union member is formed with a tapering central openingz therethrough, within which is mounted a tapering plug 80, which may be of any suitable material, such as cork, composition,

or soft metal, and which is held firmly in place within the tapering opening of the fitting 77 by means of a clamping nut 81, having; a threaded flange which is screwed. onto the exteriorly threaded portion of the fitting 77. The plug 80 is formed with a central bore tl'ierethrough to receive the pipe terminal connection 83. A collar 82 serves to firmly hold the plug 80 in place. The flexible and expansible members 68, 69, respectively, receive the ends of the pipes 12, 13, in the same manner above described with reference to Figs. 10, '11, 14land 15. This structure forms a quickly detachable leakproof terminal connection.

In some cases itmay be desirable to interpose vibration or shock absorbing means in the length of a pipe terminal or connection which is unprovided with the safeguard of a 'telescoped pipe with an intervening power vacuum area or space between them. In Figs. 18 and 19 I have shown such a flexible connection of the adjacent or approximate ends of pipe sections. In this case the pipe sections 83, 8%, in the arrangement shown in Fig. 18, are received respectively in central openings formed in the spring metal diaphragms 85, '86, and are brazed, soldered or otherwise secured therein. The peripheral edges of the spring diap'hragms or plates 85, 86, are permanently joined or connected together, as, for instance, by being brazed, soldered, or otherwise secured, to an intervening ring 87.

In order to provide a connection which may be quickly assembled or disconnected, and which may be used at any desired point either in a fuel distributing system or in the water circulating system employed in connection with engines of the character referred to, or between two supply tanks or between a supply tank and pump. or in any other desired application, I have shown a simple structure in Fig". 19 wherein, instead of permanently securing 'tOgLtllGl the peripheral edge portions of the spring diaphragm plates 85, 86, said edges are detachably clamped together between an annular collar 88 and a clamp ring 89, the joint being rendered leak proof in any convenient manner, as, for instance, by means of the packing gasket 90. This affords a very simple and convenient structure which permits quick and easy assembly and disconnection.

It is a common practice in air service gasoline pipe installations for engines to employ short sections of special composition rubber tubing interposed at suitable points in the fuel distributing pipe line for the purpose of taking up or absorbing the ibrations. This practice, however, open to s ri us objection Rubber is soluble in gasoline and its co .nds, and the dissolved rubber, or partic of the rubber connection detached from the body thereof by the action of the gasoline, is liable to foul the strainer and clog the distril'iutingg system. Moreover, any dissolving, or eating action exerted by the gasoline upon the rubber connection weakens the .atter and in time requires it to be discarded and replaced, with the incident lire danger and interference with reliable operation of the engine.

However, a structure of protector distributing pipe with the cut-off valve adjunct hereinahove described is well adapted for application to the usual form or type of rubber connection, and in Figs. 20, 21, 22 and 923- I have shown adaptation of the protected pipe system of my invention to such a rubber pipe connection, and wherein the serious objections to the use of such a flexible connection are largely minimized and re duced. In the arrangement shown the special composition rubber tube connection is indicated at 91, and is connected at its ends by suitable clamp devices such as the screw clamps 92, 93, to the ends of the pipe sections to be connected togetherthereby. In the adaptation of the protecting features of my invention to this type of coupiinethe air-craft 

